100 Ways to be Elegant - Post #3 (21-30)

 
I am back for the third installment of easy ways to add class back into our lives.  Here are 10 more ideas to help add a little elegance and etiquette to each day.  

 21. Practice quality over quantity

In everything, don't settle.  Take time and always select quality over quantity.   It will last longer and be more reliable in the long run. 

22.Remember that it’s more important to be kind than it is to be right

You will never regret being kind to someone.  Always choose kindness, and when you are angry or frustrated, keep your mouth shut. 

23.  Sip your drink

This is one I am working on.  I often want to inhale my drink in two seconds, and get a quick refill.  As a lady, we should sip our drinks and be a little less rushed to drink them.  

24. Chew each bite 20 times

Speaking of food, its also important to chew your food at least 20 times per bite.  This will help make you feel fuller faster and longer. 

25. Learn how to wear a scarf

Scarves are truly elegant and make any women seem more put together and lady-like.  Here are a few ways to wear scarves in the summer. 

 26.Don’t curse

Its so easy to let profanity slip off our tongues, yet its not something that is attractive at all.  

 27.  Serve coffee or tea after meals

When hosting a party, or having dinner with friends, its so important to have coffee or tea after the meal.  It makes conversation go longer and is a great way to wrap up the event. 

 28.Keep your home clean and uncluttered

This should go without saying.  If we begin running out of storage space, its time that we binge all of the clutter from our home.   

29. Have one subdued solid color scheme throughout your home, use accessories to add color

Speaking of home, one of the best advices I've been given lately is to use decor to add pops of colors and keep the rooms a solid neutral color throughout the home.  

 30. Have fresh flowers in your home

Finally, if possible, keep fresh flowers on your decks and front porch, as well as, in your home too.  

Hope you enjoyed these 10 ways to add a little elegance to your life.  

Happy Friday!

100 Ways to be Elegant - Post #2 (11-20)

I've always loved reading about etiquette tips, as there is something about a classy and elegant about a put-together woman.  Following up on my first post about being elegant, here are 10 more reminders on fun ways to add a little elegance and grace to our lives:

11. Have one fabulous signature meal you serve guests 
This meal doesn't have to be over the top and fancy. Just a GREAT meal that is unique and makes guests feel loved and welcome in our homes.

12. Simplify your life, your home and your calendar 

13. Wear Pearls 

14. Let him open the door for you 

15. Arrive exactly on time 

16. Don’t complain 

17. Dress to travel 

18. Don’t point out the mistakes of others 

19. Wait your turn patiently 

20. Accept compliments graciously

Hope you enjoy these tips.  The next 10 are coming soon. 
 

100 Ways to be Elegant - Post #1 (1-10)

Often times I wish I had lived in the 1950s and been in my 20s.  There is something so classy and chic about the 50s, when women wore gloves and had impeccable grace and manners. During the 1960s and 1970s, many of the traditional roles of women began to change, and today most women have no clue the basic rules of etiquette and manners.  So, to help me brush up on my southern manners and etiquette, I thought I would embark on series called 100 Ways to be Elegant.  Each week, I will share 10 new ways that I should add a little "grace" and "class" back into my lives.  Enjoy! 

1. Always send thank you notes to everyone. 
Always take time to write a thank you note for even the smallest act of kindness. Thank you notes are perfect to show appreciate for gifts you've receive, kind words someone has said that meant a lot of you, and everything in the between. Investing in a nice set of stationary is key, and a great pen is the perfect way to get motivated to write a kind note to someone. My all time favorite stationary is Crane & Co.  

2. Practice good posture
Stand up and sit up straight. It makes you look so confident and even makes you feel better overall.

3. Speak with purpose, do not babble on and on about nothing

4. Listen without interrupting - I am loving the new book by Karen Ehman called Keep it Shut, it is a perfect guide on how to use your words and when to listen. 

5. Hold doors for everyone, especially older people or people carrying heavy things.

6. Have one signature perfume/cologne

7. Remember birthdays

8. Wear only 2-3 accessories

9. When hosting guests, always have cheese straws and sweet tea to serve.  (Southern Elegance)

10. Read on a variety of topics

What are some of you favorite Etiquette tips?  I would love to hear them!